Congress could get 8th LGBT member this year

The Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund today announced its endorsement of openly gay Massachusetts State Rep. Carl Sciortino in a likely special election to replace Congressman Ed Markey (D-Mass.). Markey has said he plans to resign his House seat if he becomes the Democratic nominee to fill the U.S. Senate seat vacated by Secretary of State John Kerry.

“I’m truly grateful for the support of the Victory Fund, which has been so effective in making sure all Americans have a voice in our government. They share my commitment to an honest, inclusive dialog about the issues that really matter to us all,” Sciortino said.

If elected, Sciortino would become the eighth openly LGBT member of the 213th Congress, setting a new record for the most out members ever to serve on Capitol Hill at one time.

“Carl is a proven leader and a tireless champion for LGBT equality,” said Chuck Wolfe, president and CEO of the Victory Fund. “He’s shown an uncommon commitment to justice and fairness for the people of Massachusetts. When he brings that tenacity to Washington he’ll be a standout voice for not only for his district, but for LGBT Americans everywhere.”

Sciortino has served in the Massachusetts House of Representatives since 2005, representing neighborhoods in Somerville and Medford.

His endorsement was one of ten made by the Victory Fund this week, bringing to 48 the total number of endorsed candidates so far this year.